Billboard Latin Music Hall of Fame

The Billboard Latin Music Hall of Fame is an honor presented by Billboard magazine at the Billboard Latin Music Awards. The accolade was established in 1994 to recognize musical personalities who have made an impact on the Latin music industry, both commercially and critically. This includes artists who laid the "artistic foundation" for contemporary Latin music. Potential recipients are nominated by Billboard's editorial committee, which decides the merit of each nominee with regard to his or her contribution to Latin music. Artists chosen to be inducted into the Latin Music Hall of Fame include individuals who exemplify Latin music, are pivotal or iconic pioneers, and whose works are a developmental milestone in the Latin music industry.

Cuban salsa singer Celia Cruz and Cuban bassist and composer Cachao López were the first to be inducted into the Billboard Latin Music Hall of Fame in 1994. The two were chosen due to their achievements and accomplishments in Afro-Cuban music. American Tejano singer Selena was inducted in 1995, three months after she was murdered at the age of 23. In 1996, Mexican singer-songwriter Juan Gabriel was inducted for his successful career as a singer, composer, and producer, including songs that he wrote for other artists and songs of his that were covered by other artists. Mexican singer José José was inducted the following year for his romantic ballads and his baritone singing. Mexican singer Vicente Fernández was inducted in 1998 for his contributions to ranchera music. Rocío Dúrcal became the first Spanish singer to be inducted in 1999 for her musical interpretations of Spanish and Mexican pop music.

In 2000, Mexican singer Marco Antonio Solís was inducted due to his vocal range, composition, and productions that had a "profound effect on Latin music". Cuban musician Mongo Santamaría was inducted in 2001 for his career as a professional conga player in Latin music and other genres, including jazz and R&B. Armando Manzanero was inducted in 2003 for his compositions that have become Latin American standards. Mexican banda group Banda el Recodo became the first musical ensemble to be inducted in the Latin Music Hall of Fame in 2004. In 2006, Joan Sebastian was inducted for his prolific songwriting and musical arrangements. Cuban entrepreneur Raúl Alarcón, Sr. was posthumously inducted for creating the Spanish Broadcasting System, a conglomerate that owns several Latin music radio and television broadcasting companies in the United States. In 2012, American salsa singer Marc Anthony received the honor for his global influence in both English- and Spanish-language markets. Venezuelan singer-songwriter Franco De Vita was honored in 2014 for his pop rock ballads, as well as his compositions for other artists.